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Congratulations to the Schulich School of Law’s Class of 2026!

In the coming weeks, we’ll feature Q&As with graduating law students who will reflect on their time at Weldon. Today we're talking to Aaron Tolkamp.

Why did you want to attend the Schulich School of Law?

I was drawn to the Schulich School of Law for several reasons. First and foremost, I applied with the intention of eventually practicing Aboriginal law and felt that the range of Aboriginal and Indigenous law courses offered granted me the best opportunity to learn about that unique area of practice. Second, I chose to study at Weldon because of its reputation as a community-focused environment that was well respected across the country. And finally, because ‘place’ is important to me, Halifax felt like a city I could grow in and learn from.

In what ways were you involved with the law school community?

Through Pro Bono Dalhousie, I had the pleasure of volunteering with the Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq in my first year of law school and with Nova Scotia Legal Aid, Appeals Division, in my second and third years.

In 3L, I participated in the Kawaskimhon National Aboriginal Moot, worked as an academic peer mentor with the Indigenous Blacks & Mi'kmaq Initiative, and served on the Law Students’ Society’s Board and Faculty Council.

I was also an ally member of the Dalhousie Indigenous Law Students’ Association and an active intramural participant throughout my three years at Weldon.

What does the Weldon Tradition mean to you?

The Weldon Tradition is about community and each individual using their skills, knowledge, and privilege to nurture others and advocate for systemic change.

As I reflect on my time in law school, it is clear to me that the Weldon Tradition is best exemplified by the faculty and staff who work at the Schulich School of Law. From practitioners to professors to librarians, the law school’s faculty and staff were a constant source of support and encouragement. I would not have navigated law school as smoothly without them.

What is your favourite law school memory?

While I don’t like to choose favourites, one memory that stands out is when four colleagues and I had the opportunity in 3L to argue a moot case before Justice Keith of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. This memory is special for many reasons, but particularly due to the collaborative nature of the work required for the course, as well as the chance to receive dedicated feedback from a practicing member of the Bench. Opportunities of this kind are what make the Schulich School of Law unique. I will take the lessons learned from that class into my future legal practice.

What will you miss most about Schulich Law?

As a mature student I don’t see myself returning to full-time studies after graduation, so what I will miss most is the opportunity to learn and grow in a structured environment with professors who are experts in their fields, which is a rare privilege in the world beyond the halls of academia. I will miss the classes, the university environment, and the pursuit of knowledge for knowledge’s sake.

What are your post-graduation plans?

Although I’m from the West Coast, I will be staying in Halifax after graduation and articling with Burchell Wickwire Bryson, a mid-size, full-service law firm with a dedicated Aboriginal law practice area.

I also hope to continue working on a few projects I started while in law school, including publishing a paper I wrote on the right to public space.